Making waves: Beach styles you should have at the ready

Now that spring is officially in the air, we’re thinking ahead to our summer holidays. Whether you’re planning on jetting off to a sunny resort or are braving the UK’s slightly colder beaches, you need to start thinking about what beach looks you need in your wardrobe.

There are some great beach trends to choose from this season, ensuring you can find the perfect ensemble no matter what your look. Here are some of the top beach outfits that we’re in love with for this summer:

Plunging necklines

Low necklines have been a popular choice for dresses, with numerous celebrities sporting dresses that show off this trend on the red carpet. However, beachwear is showcasing plunging necklines for a sexy summer vibe.

Simple one-piece swimsuits with deep V necklines allow you to show off some skin without having to opt for a bikini. You can also take them from the beach to the street simply by popping on a maxi skirt or pair of light swing trousers and a pair of gold hoop earrings for a seventies vibe.

All the frills

Frills are being used throughout SS16 styles to add a touch of feminine elegance to tops and dresses. They are also great for adding texture to swimwear, allowing you to emulate the rest of your wardrobe while sunbathing on the sand.

Frills are a great way to create an hourglass shape, especially if you have a straight figure, as they can highlight your hips and bust. Avoid swimsuits that feature frills around the waist – unless they are large and create a peplum look – as this can make you look broader than you are.

Whether you go for layered frills or a single large frill, rocking this must-wear on a bikini or one-piece can make it look more interesting without the need for patterns. You can take this look to the next level by wearing some layered bangles, which will add a bit of bling to your outfit.

Cute cutouts

Carrying on from last year’s big trend, cutout swimsuits are back with a vengeance and are one of our favourite beach looks. Even though you may be left with slightly odd tan marks, cutout swimsuits are definitely the best way to enjoy the sun this summer.

You can opt for one-pieces that feature striking and large cutouts or bikinis that have smaller cutout sections to create pretty patterns. Whichever look you go for, you can complete your beach ensemble by teaming your cutout swimsuit with an on-trend tribal-inspired necklace.

Then all you have to do is relax by the pool and soak up the rays.

High-waisted bikinis

We’re also glad to see that high-waisted bikinis are back on-trend, offering a flattering option for those who want a change from one-pieces but don’t fancy wearing a teeny weeny bikini.

This is a great look for highlighting hourglass figures or creating one, as it helps to emphasise the waist and make it look smaller. You can choose how high you want the bottoms to go, allowing you to create different looks.

You also have a huge choice of different bikini tops when it comes to high-waisted looks, meaning you can mix and match your two-pieces depending on your mood.

As this style has a cool retro vibe, why not take this further by adding a pair of 50s or 60s sunglasses?

Chic covers

Of course, it isn’t just the swimsuit you’ll need for your beach look; you’ll also want something to cover up to keep your skin from burning and to protect against the sea breeze.

One of the best options is a kimono, which come in a range of styles including different lengths, allowing you to match yours to your swimsuit. These will also help you take your beach look from day to night, as you can pop your kimono on over your outfit as well as your swimwear when the evening draws in.